Hughes Congratulates Tomsk Polytechnic University on Opening of First Satellite Technology Education Center in Russia

Hughes sponsors center in collaboration with TPU and the Scientific Industrial Center (STRELA)

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Dec 12, 2011, 08:00 ET

GERMANTOWN, Md., Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite solutions and services, today announced that Hughes has signed a protocol of cooperation with Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) on the inauguration of the First Satellite Technology Education Center in Tomsk, Russia, for which it is a sponsor in collaboration with the Scientific Industrial Center, STRELA, and the University.

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"Hughes is most proud to be a sponsor of this very worthwhile initiative and to collaborate with TPU and STRELA in helping to expand the know-how and capabilities of satellite broadband technologies and services in Siberia," said Dr. Arunas Slekys, vice president and general manager, Russia & CIS Business at Hughes. "Investing in training Russia's future technology and business leaders represents development of the country's most strategic asset―its human capital. This underscores our commitment and leadership in Russia, where to date we've shipped over 30,000 broadband satellite terminals, representing more than 50 percent market share, and now also count TPU as a valued service provider customer."

Accepting a plaque from Hughes on the occasion, Professor Michael Sonkin, vice rector and director, Cybernetic Institute, Tomsk Polytechnic University commented, "TPU is the first and largest university in Siberia with the highest reputation and legacy, educating over 20,000 students annually. Establishing this Satellite Technology Education Center is an important strategic step for the university, and the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Hughes and STRELA which I'm confident will significantly enhance access of students and postgraduate students to the most cutting edge technologies. In addition, using advanced Hughes satellite networking technology will enable us to reach the broader community with distance learning and offer a wider range of services to regional and federal organizations and agencies, such as forest fire monitoring across Siberia."

About Tomsk Polytechnic University

Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) is one of the oldest technical universities in Siberian Russia (established in 1896). Many generations of highly qualified technical experts have graduated from TPU, and are known throughout Russia as both top engineering executives and respected public figures. Today TPU strives for world-class innovations through advanced educational programs and projects, engaging the experience of national and international academia and industry. Its teaching and research staff exceeds 1,700 with over 22,000 students, including 600 from Germany, Great Britain, France, Czech Republic, China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, United States, Israel, etc. TPU has six scientific and educational institutions, four branches and 14 representative offices, including Germany (Karlsruhe), the Czech Republic (Prague), and Cyprus (Nicosia). TPU continually affirms its position as one of the leading research and development universities in Russia.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) is the world's leading provider of satellite broadband for home and office, delivering innovative network technologies, managed services, and solutions for enterprises and governments globally. HughesNet® is the #1 high-speed satellite Internet service in the marketplace, with offerings to suit every budget. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 2.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries, representing over 50 percent market share. Its products employ global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A, and GMR-1.

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes operates sales and support offices worldwide, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), a premier global provider of satellite operations and digital TV solutions. For additional information about Hughes, please visit www.hughes.com.

SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC